Photos

The Renaissance Ensemble of The Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University, is one of the chamber groups whose performances Roy and Carol Thomas have enjoyed since Carol's retirement in 1999.

MEMORIES OF CAROL JEAN WEHRWEIN THOMAS BY MARK CUDEK

I have MANY memories of Carol being at just about every one of my concerts for a period of several years. She always sat in the front row. When I conducted, I couldn’t see her, but when I played, I could and she often had such a beatific look on her face. She was so engaged and swept away by the music. It made me, as well as my student performers, who also saw her, more comfortable, more confident, and more satisfied with what we were sharing. Carol took everything in and at intermission and after the concerts she ALWAYS had questions about specific pieces, performers, or instruments. She was the audience member every musician loves playing for. Of course she (and Roy) also took a deep interest in my family and always asked how various members were doing and always remembered the specifics of one of our ups or downs. She was amazingly supportive and we will all miss her dearly.

MEMORIES OF CAROL JEAN WEHRWEIN THOMAS BY LISA CUDEK

Carol is vivid in my mind. One of the things that I found special about Carol was her authenticity. She had a way of being interested and supportive, while retaining a wry--sometimes surprising--humor, and unabashed honesty. When we were with Carol and Roy together, I always noticed the energy and authority they both brought to being at a concert or conversing over a meal. I appreciated that, as a couple, their combined life experience and knowledge was blended with so much appreciation for, and curiosity about, the world. I smile when I remember seeing Carol and Roy engage with one another because they seemed to respect one another without taking each other too seriously. That might be one of the reasons that theeir long marriage seemed to be a partnership of equals. I am glad to have known Carol.